Earlier this year, a Blazing Star Solar Community Grant helped the Wayland Fire Department purchase a new inflatable fire safety classroom — a colorful, portable space designed to teach kids and families how to stay safe during an emergency.

The classroom lets firefighters bring hands-on lessons directly to schools and local events, turning fire safety education into an interactive, memorable experience for students across Allegan County.

It’s a great example of how local partnerships can spark creative ways to engage, educate, and keep our communities safe.

The Wayland Fire Department described the impact of their grant:

“The grant will be used for the purchase of an inflatable fire safety education house. Throughout the year, but especially in the fire safety month of October, Wayland Fire hosts hundreds of kids on the importance of fire safety. This house will be able to encourage safety practices in a fun and educational manner. Not only will Wayland Fire use the house for their schools, but other surrounding departments will have the ability to take the house to schools to help teach more kids. This will be a great teaching tool for a lot of communities.”

Other recipients during our Spring 2025 grant cycle included Wayland Union Robotics, Spirit of Allegan, and The Wayland Union High School and Middle School Honey Bee Club. Each recipient represents the diverse ways the program supports community safety, education, and cultural vitality.